Mixer is Microsoft’s game streaming platform, and the service is always finding new ways of monetization for its partners. Beforehand, only “Sparks” were used to provide patronage to certain channels, but that’s changing today with the introduction of “Embers”. Embers are a virtual currency — essentially cosmetic microtransactions — that you can give you a popular streamer of your choice to pay them.

Mixer issued the following statement on its website explaining Embers and how they work. The company went into great detail on how they’re different from Sparks.

We’re excited to kick off 2019… with the launch of Mixer Embers. Early access to Mixer Embers will start today for users… on Android and iOS platforms. Then, Mixer Embers will roll out to viewers on all platforms next week. Embers are a virtual currency… that you can purchase and then spend on premium Skills, including animated Stickers and full-screen Effects. With these premium Skills, you can also add a custom message that will be prominently highlighted in chat, helping your message stand out within the Mixer community. For Mixer Partners, Embers provide new monetization opportunities by enabling a more direct form of patronage with bigger cash rewards. Sparks are a virtual currency that viewers earn for free, just by watching streams… Embers are a paid virtual currency that viewers can purchase directly… Although there are specific Skills for each currency, both Sparks and Embers will result in patronage for a partnered streamer. Embers provide a more direct form of patronage as Mixer Partners receive a fixed dollar amount per Ember spent on their channel. At launch, Embers will be exclusive to Mixer Partner channels – so only Partner channels will offer premium Skills that can be purchased using Embers, and only Partners will receive cash payouts for Embers patronage. This is just the start as we aim to make Embers accessible to more creators.

What are your thoughts on Embers? Will you purchase them to support your favorite streamer? Let us know.